Navigating SARS VAT Compliance Self-Study Course

This course is focused on dealing with SARS on VAT (not general VAT compliance). It walks learners through what typically happens when SARS engages you: pop-up letters and refund delays, verifications and audits, assessments, penalties/interest, fixing mistakes, and the dispute route (objections/appeals/ADR/Tax Board/Tax Court)—including what SARS can ask for, how to respond, and how to manage timelines and escalation paths.

Who will benefit

• Bookkeepers and accountants who handle SARS VAT queries and VAT refunds
• Business owners and finance managers who receive SARS letters/verification requests
• Tax administrators and compliance staff dealing with VAT201 corrections, assessments, and disputes
• Anyone wanting a practical “SARS engagement playbook” for VAT audits and disputes

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• How SARS Engages VAT Vendors (and Why)
• VAT Refunds, the 21-Business-Day Expectation, and “Pop-Up Letters”
• Understanding VAT Audits (Desk vs Refund vs Field vs Integrated)
• What Triggers SARS Attention (The Practical Red Flags)
• Responding to SARS Requests: Documents, Deadlines, and “Getting the Pack Right”
• Made a Mistake? Fixing VAT201s via “Request for Correction”
• Penalties & Interest — What SARS Can Impose (and What You Can Do
• Remissions — Applying to Reduce Penalties and Interest
• Assessments You’ll See from SARS (and What They Mean)
• Disputes with SARS — From Reasons to Objection, Appeal, ADR and Escalation